The accused and the complainant engaged in a consensual physical fight at a car wash over a perceived line-cutting incident.
During the altercation, the complainant grabbed and pulled out two of the accused's dreadlocks.
In response, the accused used a key on his keyring to strike the complainant, causing a puncture wound.
The accused was charged with assault with a weapon, assault causing bodily harm, and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose.
The court found that the consensual fight ended when the complainant pulled the accused's hair, causing bodily harm, and that the accused's use of the key was a reasonable and proportionate response in self-defence.
The Crown failed to disprove self-defence beyond a reasonable doubt, and the accused was acquitted of all charges.
